Maafaru International Airport (VRDA)
Medium airport · Noonu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Airport data
| Name | Maafaru International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | VRDA |
| IATA | NMF |
| Elevation | 6 ft (2 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 5°49'3" E 73°28'6" 5.81741, 73.46840 |
| Location | Noonu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Maldives |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/24 | 9,350 ft (2850 m) | 148 ft | Asphalt | Yes |
Maafaru International Airport at a glance
Maafaru International Airport is a medium airport in Noonu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, known to airline systems as NMF. The field elevation of 6 ft (2 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at VRDA are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
The single runway, 06/24, offers 9,350 ft (2850 m) of asphalt surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 06 points roughly 60° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for VRDA shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Maafaru International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Hanimaadhoo International Airport | VRMH | 108 km (58 NM) |
| Velana International Airport | VRMM | 181 km (98 NM) |
| Villa International Airport Maamigili | VRMV | 270 km (146 NM) |
| Kadhdhoo Airport | VRMK | 440 km (238 NM) |
| Thiruvananthapuram International Airport | VOTV | 482 km (260 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Maafaru International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 6 ft field elevation of Maafaru International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 7 airports and airfields we list for Maldives — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Maafaru International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Maafaru International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Maafaru International Airport is VRDA, and its IATA code is NMF. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Maafaru International Airport above sea level?
Maafaru International Airport sits at an elevation of 6 feet (2 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Maafaru International Airport located?
The airport lies at 5.8174, 73.4684 — in Noonu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Hanimaadhoo International Airport, about 108 km away.
Does VRDA publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for VRDA appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Maafaru International Airport?
Maafaru International Airport has one runway. The longest, 06/24, measures 9,350 ft (2850 m) with a Asphalt surface.